Prince Saud Leads 2026 Kaaba Washing on Behalf of King Salman
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday led the 2026 annual washing of the Holy Kaaba on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, preserving one of Islam’s most revered traditions.
The Ghusl al-Kaaba ceremony took place inside Masjid al-Haram after the Fajr prayer on 30 June 2026, corresponding to 15 Muharram 1448 AH.
Prince Saud represented the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in overseeing the annual ritual, which has been observed for centuries.
The ceremony followed a carefully coordinated three-stage process involving preparation, washing and perfuming of the Kaaba’s interior using specially selected materials.
During the preparation stage, officials completed technical arrangements before raising the lower section of the Kiswah to protect the sacred covering and allow entry into the Kaaba.
They prepared the cleansing mixture using 20 liters of Zamzam water and 80 milliliters of special oud oil.
Custodians then washed the Kaaba’s interior walls, pillars and floor with soft cloths soaked in a blend of Zamzam water and Taif rose water.
The washing mixture included 540 milliliters of Taif rose water, 11 liters of specially prepared Kaaba washing perfume and three milliliters of musk, filling the sacred space with a distinctive fragrance.
The final stage focused on perfuming and incensing the Kaaba. Custodians applied 500 milliliters of Taif rose oil to the interior walls and corners before burning 500 grams of premium oud bakhoor, leaving the sanctuary filled with its traditional aroma.
The annual Ghusl al-Kaaba traces its origins to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and remains one of the most significant religious ceremonies associated with Islam’s holiest site.
The ritual symbolizes reverence, purification and the continued care devoted to the Sacred House.
